WOOLSTON Rovers suffered a narrow defeat in a see-saw battle against Skirlaugh on Humberside in National Conference League Division One.

Ben Dixon crossed twice for Rovers, with Joe Roper and Harry Files also getting over the line, but ultimately the visitors fell 24-22.

Best for Rovers were Files, hooker Ryan Brown and scrum half Dec Leonard.

Skirlaugh opened the scoring in the second minute with a penalty goal from second row Alex Gilbey but six minutes later Rovers hit the front for the first time with centre Dixon’s first try, and Craig Lawton added the conversion.

Shortly afterwards a try from Skirlaugh winger Jack Danby was converted by Gilbey but then just before the half-hour mark Rovers stand off Roper got over and Leonard converted.

A minute before the break Rovers stretched their advantage prop Files’ try and Lawton’s conversion gave his side an 18-8 half-time lead.

Two Skirlaugh tries in the opening 12 minutes of the second half via loose forward Josh Oliver and Gilbey levelled matters.

Rovers were then reduced to 12 men when Roper was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul.

Skirlaugh hit the front again when Danby scored his second try and Gilbey converted.

With six minutes remaining Rovers gave themselves a lifeline when Dixon crossed for his second try wide out on the left and despite their best efforts in the closing minutes they were unable to add to their score.

Rovers coach Liam Lawton said: “It was a game that slipped through our hands.

“We had enough chances to get something out of it but the final pass went to ground at crucial times and that allowed Skirlaugh to build up a head of steam and manage to take the spoils.

“While we are obviously disappointed to have come away with nothing there are certainly plenty of positives to take from the game and we will look to bounce back at the earliest opportunity.”

Rovers: James Tarpey; Alex Pendlebury, Karlton Bates, Ben Dixon, Kieran Jones; Joe Roper, Dec Leonard; Harry Files, Ryan Brown, Ryan Hickman, Jackson Phillips, Dan Fearnley, Craig Lawton. Subs: Sean Kelly, Ethan Jones, Andy Addison, Kyle Brown.